Mines rescue and safety

he course provides a comprehensive overview of the specific characteristics and risks associated with mining operations, both underground and on the surface, and of the systems in place to prevent them. The teaching then moves seamlessly into the field of mine rescue, where it presents in detail the organisation, legislation and tactics of the Mine Rescue Service (BZS). The course is designed to provide future mining engineers with the necessary knowledge for the safe management of operations, to familiarise mine surveyors (geodetic engineers) with the need for accurate spatial documentation of emergency situations, and to explain to post-mining landscape specialists the issues surrounding residual risks (gas emissions, thermal phenomena in spoil heaps, ground vibrations and subsidence) in relation to safety following the cessation of mining operations.

Expertise: Students will acquire in-depth knowledge of the types of mining risks and understand the physical and geomechanical mechanisms underlying their occurrence. They will master the theoretical principles of preventing these risks and the applicable safety legislation. They will also gain a detailed overview of the structure and operation of the mine rescue service, the rescue and breathing equipment used, accident response tactics, and the specifics of rescue operations, including in non-mining environments (e.g. within the Integrated Rescue System).

Professional skills: The student is able to identify, analyse and assess potential safety risks associated with both mining and post-mining operations. They are able to apply preventive measures and propose technical procedures to prevent emergency situations. They can interpret maps and survey data for the purposes of planning rescue operations, understand mine ventilation diagrams and evaluate data from safety monitoring systems. They are able to define procedures for locating and resolving emergencies, with an emphasis on protecting human life and minimising damage.

Professional competence: The student is competent to make informed decisions regarding workplace safety measures, both independently and within the framework of crisis management. They are able to responsibly implement health and safety regulations and actively participate in the development of emergency response plans. They are able to communicate professionally with state mining authorities and civil protection services, and to apply their expertise not only during active mining operations, but also during mine reclamation, the securing of disused mine workings, and the elimination of safety hazards in the post-mining landscape.